National Democratic Party (NDP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has agreed with Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s assessment that President Bola Tinubu has done his best to address Nigeria’s security challenges, but argued that the President’s best is no longer sufficient for the country’s current needs.
Obi made the remarks during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, which was published on YouTube on Thursday.
Responding to a question on why Nigerians should support his presidential ambition instead of another opposition candidate, Obi urged citizens to evaluate his record in public office alongside his vision for the country.
“It’s for you to look at my past and look at what I’m saying now,” he said.
Addressing Pastor Adeboye’s recent comments on President Tinubu’s efforts to tackle insecurity, Obi described the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God as a respected religious leader whose opinion he values.
“Somebody asked me yesterday, they said that Pastor Adeboye said Tinubu has tried his best and he’s not happy.
“And I said, no, Pastor Adeboye remains a very revered, respected religious father, whom I believe in his genuineness and goodness.
“And what he said was correct. He said he has tried his best. He’s trying his best. That’s it. It’s the correct answer.
“The question to ask is: Is his best good enough? Where we find ourselves today, that leads to the issue of capacity,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that effective leadership requires competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character, maintaining that Nigeria’s current challenges demonstrate the need for a different approach to governance.
“When I talk about leadership, I say competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, character. These are the issues. President Tinubu is tired. He needs to go home and rest,” he added.
Pastor Adeboye had earlier defended President Tinubu against criticism over worsening insecurity during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C.
The cleric argued that the President had fulfilled his responsibility by issuing directives to the military, noting that a Commander-in-Chief is not expected to personally participate in combat operations.
“I don’t support those who are accusing the president of not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” Adeboye had said.
While defending the President’s role, the respected cleric also expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against terrorism and kidnapping.
He further advised the President to issue a 90-day ultimatum to military commanders to end insecurity or resign, while calling for decisive action against those financing terrorist activities.